The Times of India

New Zealand secured a seven-wicket victory in the second ODI, highlighting concerns over Arshdeep Singh's continued exclusion from India's playing XI. Despite strong performances in previous series, the left-arm pacer has been benched, prompting debate about workload management versus maintaining player rhythm and form.

Congress fell short of its BMC election target, securing 24 seats, seven less than in 2017. The party cited defections, lower spending, and reduced media visibility. Despite challenges, Congress aims to retain its 24 elected corporators and sees the outcome as a positive step, particularly in Muslim-dominated areas, with a focus on future public service.

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) opened the registration for KCET 2026 on January 17. The exam is a gateway for admission to undergraduate professional courses, including engineering, agriculture, pharmacy, veterinary sciences, and nursing. KCET 2026 will be held on April 2324 in two shifts. Candidates can apply online at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in and must submit required documents and fees.

The Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (MPBSE) has released the admit cards for Class 10 and Class 12 board exams 2026. Students can download their admit cards from the official website. Each card includes important details like roll number, exam centre, dates, timings, and instructions. Candidates must print the card and carry it to the exam hall.

A significant portion of engineering students in Karnataka are paying for mandatory internships, with allegations that Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) takes a 25% cut. While VTU claims this covers portal maintenance, students report difficulty finding free opportunities. The university plans to reduce its share next academic year, aiming to alleviate student financial burdens.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has shared a participation framework with ISL and I-League clubs for the much-delayed 2025-26 season in Indian football. The two proposals contrast sharply, and clubs are divided over the structure.

Jennifer Lawrence revealed she lost the role of Sharon Tate in 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' due to online criticism about her looks, with some deeming her ot pretty enough. While Tarantino was initially interested, industry chatter and Sharon's sister's comments influenced the casting. Lawrence also discussed other Tarantino projects she passed on.

The Uttar Pradesh Board of Secondary Education is expected to release the UPMSP admit cards 2026 for Class 10 and Class 12 in the first week of February. The board exams will be held from February to March 2026. Students must collect their admit cards through schools or download them online, verify details carefully, and follow exam-day instructions strictly.

Rohit Sharma's aggressive batting approach, adopted after the 2022 T20 World Cup, has shifted to a more conservative style recently. While his overall average remains strong, his strike rate has seen a dip. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate attributes this to challenging pitches and limited recent match practice, not a conscious change in strategy.

Debut director Vir Das revealed that recent Bollywood spy thrillers like 'Pathaan' and 'Tiger 3' inspired him to rewrite his comedy spy film, 'Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos.' He felt the rising popularity of the genre made it the perfect time to inject humor. Co-star Mithila Palkar also shared challenges, particularly a scene requiring her to slap Das.

Kannada film '45', starring Shivarajkumar and Upendra, is set for its OTT debut on ZEE5 from January 23. Despite a modest theatrical run, the fantasy film, exploring spiritual themes around the 45 days post-death, garnered Rs 15.85 crore worldwide. Critics praised its technical aspects and ambitious narrative, though noted some inconsistencies.

Virat Kohli and Kuldeep Yadav sought blessings at Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar Temple before the series decider against New Zealand. Kuldeep shared his spiritual joy, hoping for divine grace for team performance. Kohli recently reclaimed the ODI batting top spot and became India's highest ODI scorer against New Zealand, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar.

Vir Das humorously inserts himself into Bollywood's spy elite with an AI-generated image alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, and Hrithik Roshan. This cheeky promotion for his directorial debut, 'Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos,' perfectly contrasts his character's ineptitude with the polished action heroes. Fans reacted with amusement and support for his film, which released on January 16, 2026.

Veteran freedom fighter and former Karnataka minister Bheemanna Khandre has passed away at 102. A prominent Congress leader and cooperative movement stalwart, Khandre served as Transport Minister and was instrumental in keeping Bidar district within Karnataka. His contributions to agriculture and education were significant. He is survived by his son, current Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre.

Babar Azam's rare on-field frustration during a BBL clash was overshadowed by Steve Smith's record-breaking century. Smith's explosive Power Surge and unbeaten 110 guided the Sixers to a thrilling five-wicket victory, eclipsing David Warner's earlier ton. Babar's dismissal and subsequent bat smash drew criticism, but Smith's historic knock stole the show.

Punjabi singer Dilnoor reported a chilling threat to Mohali SSP after receiving a ransom demand of Rs 10 crore. The caller, identifying as Arju Bishnoi, instructed Dilnoor to tell B Praak to pay within a week or face severe repercussions. Police are actively investigating the foreign-originated calls and tracing the perpetrator.

The Maharashtra State Council of Examination has announced the MAHA TET Result 2026 for Paper 1 and Paper 2 on its official website. Conducted on December 24, 2025, the results were released after final answer key verification. Candidates can check scorecards online from January 16, with subject-wise marks and qualifying status displayed.

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In a thrilling mix of comedy and suspense, Vir Das' 'Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos' has officially kicked off its cinematic journey, earning an eye-catching Rs 1.25 crore on its first day in theaters.

Director Rahul Ravindran lauded the Malayalam film 'Ponman' as an absolute modern classic, placing its character PP Ajesh among his top fictional creations. The film, praised for its nuanced portrayal of dowry culture and Basil Joseph's compelling performance, has resonated deeply with audiences, with many calling it a standout of the decade.

On this special day, veteran actress Shabana Azmi poured her heart out in a touching birthday tribute to her husband, the legendary screenwriter Javed Akhtar, as he turned 81. She celebrated not only his incredible talents but also their unwavering bond since 1984, expressing her admiration with wishes for vibrant health and exciting new creative adventures.

Cooper Connollys rise has been rapid. From a school classroom phone call notifying of a rookie contract to representing Australia in two U-19 World Cups, leading in one, to playing all three formats, bagging an IPL contract and now T20 World Cup selection, the 22-year-old reflects on family, reinvention, learning in India, batting versatility and the hunger that drives him.

NCERT has extended the registration deadline for its 202526 non-academic recruitment drive, offering aspirants more time to apply. Applications will now close on January 30, 2026. The drive covers 173 Group A, B, and C vacancies across India, with selection through written exams, skill tests, and interviews as applicable. Check details here.

Will Smith embarks on an extraordinary 100-day global expedition from Antarctica to the North Pole for National Geographic's 'Pole to Pole'. This intense journey across seven continents showcases survival, science, and environmental concerns, featuring Smith's personal growth and encounters with diverse cultures and wildlife. The series promises breathtaking visuals and a profound message about our planet's fragility.

Despite losing control of Mumbai, the Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, successfully defended their stronghold in South and Central Mumbai's Marathi heartland. The Sena (UBT)-MNS combine retained most seats in areas like Dadar-Mahim and Worli, winning against the Mahayuti in fierce prestige battles. This performance solidified their base even as some former corporators switched allegiances.